Global leader in sports surfaces SIS Pitches has completed the installation of a bespoke new hybrid pitch system at Laugardalsvöllur, Iceland’s national football stadium in Reykjavik.
The full design and construction of the new pitch will maximise elite-level football in Iceland, where the country’s subpolar climate has historically made high-standard playing surfaces difficult to maintain.
The completion of the project builds on SIS Pitches’ status as the leading pitch builder in Iceland following its successful construction of the pitch at FH Hafnarfjorour in 2023.
Laugardalsvöllur’s full hybrid grass pitch benefits from three of SIS Pitches’ advanced concepts, each working in unison to keep the surface play-ready all year round.
The SIS Grass Hybrid system features a 95% natural grass surface reinforced with polyethylene fibres to deliver significantly more playing hours than a fully natural pitch, which is especially important given Iceland’s harsh temperatures, high rainfall and limited daylight.
Installed below the pitch itself is the SIS Aqua pop-up irrigation system and the SIS Heat undersoil heating system, which optimises the temperature of the rootzone, encouraging better root growth and reduce the risk of long-term damage. The installation is completed by a bespoke irrigation and undersoil heating system.
Part-funded by the city of Reykjavik, the project was completed over a period of three months. During this period, the installation team successfully navigated challenges posed by snow, ice and temperatures as low as -16°C. Access to the site was also limited in December – a time when good daylight in Iceland can be as little as two hours per day.
After excavating the existing playing area 450mm down to a formation level, the new drainage, irrigation and undersoil heating systems were installed. This was followed by the installation of a lower rootzone, an upper rootzone and the playing surface itself, which benefits from the structured profile underneath.
The hybrid grass fibres were installed to a depth of 180mm and stitched at 2cm x 2cm spacing, increasing the long-term durability of the playing surface. All materials used through the profile of the pitch were tested before being independently verified by leading sports agronomists, OBI Sports, to ensure conformity with industry standards and high performance over their lifespan.
The dedicated support provided by SIS Pitches’ team of experts to the stadium’s grounds staff during the grow-in stage ensured no issues were encountered during the quick turnaround from seeding to the first competitive fixture.
Carlos Reis, Director at SIS Pitches, said: “The project was a challenging one due to Iceland’s tough climate, but we always thrive on overcoming challenges. It was a real privilege to bring an elite level playing surface to Iceland’s national stadium.
“The configuration of the new hybrid pitch will power more play all year round, helping the country to further grow its footballing profile on the international stage.
Michael Walker, International Sales Manager at SIS Pitches, added: “Iceland isn’t necessarily conducive to the effective growth of natural grass, so the hybrid profile really is the ideal solution.
“Ultimately, it will mean a pitch free of discrepancies, promising uninterrupted play for the Icelandic national team.”
